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NO NAKED RESUMES: Teach students to "dress" their self-promotion efforts by draping their excellent resume with a clear and concise cover letter. For some, the cover letter is a pitiful few lines begging for an interview [or non-existent] , but it doesn't have to be that way! Look at some well-written sample cover letters. The effective cover letter makes a good first impression, emphasizing and expanding on the best points of the resume. It also anticipates and alleviates any potential objections, and highlight additional information that did not "fit into" the actual resume, not just parroting the resume itself. This letter should express what the applicant can do for the company while also expressing an interest in and knowledge of the position being applied for. I teach students to write the cover letter using the "sandwich technique." The sandwich technique "sandwiches" the potential objection in between two positive points to minimize and to alleviate any possible worry that the interviewer may have. FOR EXAMPLE: For the last two years of school, I have won awards for perfect attendance and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my peers. [positive point] Even though I do not have the extensive work history of a more experienced worker, [negative point] my outstanding school record demonstrates my dependability and conscientious work habits. [positive point] . The sandwich technique turns a liability into an asset! JOB FAIR: Enlist the help of some parents or other volunteers to organize a job fair at the end of your unit. Invite businesses that typically hire teens [restaurants, department stores, ice-cream shop, skating rink, theme park, etc.] to participate as recruiters interviewing and discussing employment options with the students. Have students prepare for the job fair by writing an actual resume listing their previous experience, volunteer work, awards and honors, etc. to hand out at the job fair! When students see the relevancy of a unit, they are much more apt to take an interest, to pay attention, and strive to develop the skill being taught. In this case, they may even secure a summer job at the same time! RESUME RESOURCES: SAMPLES: Cover letters Summer Skills Worksheet How To Write Resumes Making Yours Unique
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